North Korea said it tested an intercontinental ballistic missile on Thursday, upgrading what it called the “world’s most powerful strategic weapon”, as Seoul warned Pyongyang could get missile technology from Russia for help with the war in Ukraine.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was on hand and said the test was a warning to enemies that have been threatening the country’s security, KCNA state news agency said.
The launch early on Thursday was the longest ballistic missile test by the North with a flight time of 87 minutes, according to South Korea.
KCNA said the test set new records for its missile capabilities.
The missile took off on a sharply lofted trajectory from an area near the North’s capital and splashed down about 200km (125 miles) west of Japan’s Okushiri island, off Hokkaido.
The launch drew swift condemnation from South Korea, Japan, and the United States.
Seoul reported signs the North may test-launch an ICBM or conduct a seventh nuclear test around the US presidential election on Tuesday, seeking to draw attention to its growing military prowess.
It reached an altitude of 7,000 km and flew a distance of 1,000 km, the Japanese government said.
